Wanted intructable - "Convert an Aquarium Air Pump into a Vacuum Pump"

Hey all -

Wanted intructable:

"Convert an Aquarium Air Pump into a Vacuum Pump"

I know this is pretty simple - probably... as well to add to that a mod...

"Convert a Aquarium Air Pump into an Adjustable Vacuum Pump"

I'm trying to build something else and would like to see how this is done - i have one shot at one Aquarium air pump and don't want to mess it up.

Plus i'd like to know how to regulate the vacuum - make it with adjustable vacuum pressure if possible - if i even really need to or at least regulate the vacuum pressure so it is not too much if it is after built.

I'm sure i could do a google and find all the parts - thinik tank it out and build it... but if you know already how to do it - makes things a tad easier for me. The instrucable even easier to avoid mistakes.

This article will show you how to convert an aquarium pump and make it to a vacuum pump. It also has information on making a seed planter out of the vacuum unit. You probably don't need that part of the article.

What you are looking for is a "Tom Aqua Lifter Suction Pump". If you are in the US, look up this item number on ebay 370359503108. $17.30 for a low volume vacuum pump. You can't go wrong with that. This will also have a bit more suction than the normal fish tank air pump. If the item has ended already, try the user name big-edge. I found this when I was looking for one myself, got one from a local aquarium shop in Adelaide Aust for $34. Hope this helps

Thanks griffoPB for that ebay number for the Tom Tominaga-Oscar Aqua Lifter Pump.

Found it on Amazon as well for $9.99 for the AW-20 model - seems to have the same specs as the one on ebay so i take it's safe to say they are the same thing.

Amazon lists it as the "Aqua Lifter AQ-20 Dosing Pump" They also have the replacement filters and diaphrams for it in case you need them

It looks to be quite promising - though if it were battery operated would make it ideal. I need this to be portable for what i'm building and not too bulky. Though i could make one for in house use as well - and should prove valuable for my needs in that regard.

Also thanks for the tip on the T-valve for adjusting the suction pressure.

Oh, as far as variable pressure, I put a "T" piece on the hose and off of a small piece of hose on that I attached a screw valve, this way you can adjust the screw valve to "let in" as much air as you want to reduce the pressure from the pump. The pump I suggested is quite sucky! so I needed to lower the pressure by bleeding air into the line. Again, I hope this helps.

You won't get much of a vacuum from most aquarium pumps, though, as they tend to be designed for a reliably-steady pressure on the inlet side and a resistant pressure on the outlet side. Test your pump's suitability by putting your finger over the inlet nozzle - how hard does it grip your finger, if at all?

. It's been many years since I was in the hobby, but I never saw an aquarium air pump with an inlet nozzle/port (except for some high-dollar, multi-tank units that required mufflers). The pump inlet is just a hole in the side of the pump (hidden inside the housing). . . I've never tried using an aquarium pump as a vacuum source, but, considering the fact that they use soft elastomer valves, I'm guessing you are right that they won't work very well. YMMV